Obituary of Howard Milton Otterbein

Howard peacefully left his earthly home on Nov. 11, 2024, after a lengthy battle with Lewy Body Dementia.  Beloved husband of Ruby (Musselman) for 64 years. Devoted father to his children Jeff (Laura Bullock) of Parkhill, Cheri (Greg Templeman) of Wellesley, Kenton (Glenda Clayton) of Nobel.  He will be missed by his grandchildren Nathan and Kelsey (Withers) of Parkhill and Nicole of London and his 2 great grandchildren Lucas and Brody of Parkhill.  Howard will be fondly remembered by his brother Cliff (Erma), sister-in-law Mary and many nieces and nephews.

Howard was born on April 23, 1938, to Edgar and Mary (Schlichter) Otterbein, in Waterloo Township, soon to be joined by brothers Cliff and Mel (deceased).  In 1940, tragedy struck, and Edgar passed away, leaving Mary to raise 3 young boys.  Eventually she settled in New Dundee, which Howard called home, until he married. Howard dreamed of becoming a medical missionary, so he entered university at Western where he discovered that he was better suited to psychology than biology. He finished his 3-year Bachelors degree in 2 years by going to school in the summers. In the summer of 1960, while Howard was volunteering in Brandon Manitoba, Mennonite Central Committee offered him a job of social worker at Ailsa Craig Boys Farm and sight unseen, he said yes.  October 29, 1960, he married Ruby, and they settled in Ailsa Craig.  The next year they moved to Toronto where he was enrolled at the University of Toronto in the Social Work program.  He returned to Ailsa Craig to work at the Boys Farm, which eventually became Craigwood.  He served there for 17 years, as a social worker and as director.  He left in 1977 and worked for Nairn Family Homes for about 10 years until he suffered from burnout.  He finished his working career at a Unilever factory in London until his retirement in 2003.

Howard lived a life of service.  He volunteered in the community watering hanging baskets, and running the dishwasher for the Ailsa Craig Quilt Shows and the VON community dinners.  He was an active member of Nairn Mennonite Church and a board member at Craigweil Gardens for many years, until his illness overtook him. 

Howard was well known for his willingness to help others.  Many neighbours and friends were transported to appointments by him.  He also enjoyed being a community chauffeur taking van loads of people to concerts or movies.  

Gardening, camping, canoeing, traveling and listening to music were a few of his passions. 

There will be a celebration of life on Saturday, November 16, at The Church at Nairn, 26459 Bear Creek Rd. Ailsa Craig.  Visitation at 2 pm, service at 3 pm with a time for fellowship and sharing immediately after.

Howard’s body has been donated to Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry at Western University. 

Deep gratitude to the staff at Parkhill AgeCare for their attentive and compassionate care since March 2020.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to Building a New Craigholme campaign  Building a New Craigholme - Craigwiel Gardens or Mennonite Central Committee Homepage | Mennonite Central Committee. Online condolences may be made at www.ailsacraigfuneralhome.com. 

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